Going My Way

Some 45 million Americans identify themselves as Irish — odd, considering that only six million people live on the whole of Erin’s Isle — but it may help explain why so many classic movies have an Irish focus. These days, an awful lot of those movies seem obsessed with the dark side of Ireland, its history of famine and religious strife. But faith and begorrah, it’s St. Paddy’s Day, time to celebrate the beauty of the land and the resilient, …

Some 45 million Americans identify themselves as Irish-weird, when you consider only six million people live on the whole of Erin’s Isle-but perhaps that explains why so many classic movies have an Irish focus. These days, an awful lot of those movies seem obsessed with the dark side of Ireland, it’s history of famine and religious strife. But faith and begorrah, it’s St. Patty’s Day, time to celebrate the beauty of the land and the resilient, sometimes quirky nature of …